Two individuals are being sought by authorities after gunshots were fired at the U.S. consulate in downtown Toronto on Tuesday morning, leading to what police described as a “national security incident.” The incident occurred around 4:29 a.m., with a white Honda CR-V stopping in front of the consulate on University Avenue. Subsequently, two males exited the vehicle, fired multiple rounds at the building using a handgun, and then fled the scene in the vehicle.
Upon police arrival over an hour later, they discovered shell casings and damage to the building, although no injuries were reported as the building is heavily fortified. The shooting was reported after a witness alerted an officer in the vicinity. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Toronto Police Service are collaborating on the investigation, with no immediate threat to public safety identified.
Authorities are yet to establish a motive for the shooting, and any potential connection to recent events in the Middle East remains under investigation. Officials have urged anyone with information to come forward, and a section of University Avenue remains closed as investigations continue.
Political figures, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and apprehension of the perpetrators. Increased security measures have been implemented outside U.S. and Israeli consulates in Toronto and other locations in response to the incident, with a focus on maintaining public safety and identifying those responsible.